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Sling TV is a subscription-based live streaming service owned and operated by the Dish Network. Sling TV gives users access to various live TV channels such as ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Disney Channel, FX, TLC, and more, without the need for a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription.
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How to Watch Sling TV in Canada
Unfortunately, Sling TV is not available in Canada. It is only available in the US and Puerto Rico. If you want to stream Sling TV while you’re in Canada, you must subscribe to a VPN provider to bypass its geo-restrictions. To access Sling TV in Canada, simply follow these simple steps:
- Connect your VPN to a server located in the US or Puerto Rico. (ExpressVPN is our top recommendation)
- Sign up for a Sling TV account and choose a membership plan of your choice.
- Browse for shows and movies in its library, select a title, and enjoy streaming!
VPNs come in various formats from dozens of companies and there are many cheap VPNs available. The best companies charge an affordable monthly fee, and you can often find deals online for deep discounts on annual and multi-year packages. However, despite VPNs being reasonably priced, there is still a huge demand for free VPN services. Also, mobile VPNs are available for download to Apple and Android devices for an affordable monthly subscription and home networks and small businesses can also use VPN routers that cover all the devices that connect to them, so you can unblock Sling TV Canada.
Why Can’t I Get Sling TV in Canada?
Sling TV has multiple licensing agreements with news companies, media agencies and production studios with geographic restrictions.
Expanding those licensing agreements to a global audience or Canada isn’t financially viable for the company, but unblocking Sling TV’s geo-restrictions in Canada is definitely doable.
If you want to stream Sling TV and are outside of the geo limited area where you can watch it, you can always utilize a VPN service to help access Sling TV subscription.
What Is Sling TV?
Sling TV is a streaming service available to the American market.
It is a subsidiary of the Dish Network that was launched on January 5, 2015, at the Consumer Electronics Show.
Sling aims to provide consumers with a subscription video service and access to over-the-top (OTT) services, and cable channels streamed through digital media systems like apps and smart TVs.
However, Sling TV is only available in the United States and Puerto Rico; Canadian residents don’t have access to the platform.
Although Sling TV also includes the company’s “DishWorld” programming, it’s worth noting that it’s been rebranded as “Sling International” for the streaming platform.
At the beginning of 2020, Sling TV had more than 2.5 million subscribers.
Sling TV offers a user-friendly navigation experience, with an uncluttered menu, giving you the choice of accessing “My TV,” “On Now Guide,” or “Sports.”
The Apple TV interface is the preferred option for most users, providing the cleanest menu versions.
The service on Roku is known to work well too – it appears slightly more cluttered than the Apple TV version, but you get options for “On Demand” and “Rent.”
The navigation is responsive and fast, with quick and effective searches on your favourite content.
Sling TV upgraded the cloud DVR service, allowing the recording of Sling TV channels, a feature that wasn’t always available for all content on the platform.
However, it’s important to note that the live TV pause feature doesn’t work on the ESPN and Disney channels.
The free cloud DVR service features 10 hours of storage, but that’s not much in HD format, and there’s no protection for your recorded shows.
Sling TV gives you an upgrade to 50 GB of storage for $5 per month if you’re looking to increase the cloud storage capacity offered.
This option also prevents automatic erasing of your recorded media.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Sling TV?
Pros:
- A vast and diverse selection of channels
- On-demand and rent features available
- Flexible subscription packages
- Free subscription tier
- Reliable and stable streams
- Several package choices and add-on options
- Cloud DVR feature
Cons:
- Storage limited to 10 hours
- Not available outside of the United States or Puerto Rico
- Limited local channels
- Sling TV package offers can seem somewhat confusing
How Much Does Sling TV Cost?
Sling TV has a somewhat confusing pricing tier.
However, once you understand how it works, it’s easy to customize your service to include all your favorite shows, movies, and live events.
Sling TV offers you an Orange and Blue tier subscription. Both tier costs $30. If you’re a new user, you get a $10 discount for your first month as an introductory bonus.
The Orange tier includes 32 channels which you can stream on one device at a time. The Blue tier, on the other hand, features 40 channels, which can be streamed on up to three devices at a time.
The Orange and Blue packages have plenty of overlapping titles and content, but there are still niche offerings in each.
Some of the channels you can stream on the Orange and Blue packages include CNN, AMC, Food Network, tbs, Cartoon Network, and more.
Sling TV also gives you the option of selecting both the Orange and Blue services which costs $45 per month – with a $10 discount for your introductory offer in the first month.
There are also Sling Extras, which are additional channel packages that you can add to your standalone Blue and Orange subscriptions. Some of these extras are called Sports Extra, Lifestyle Extra, Hollywood Extra, News Extra, which allows users to tailor their channel lineup to their specific interests. Their price points vary, starting from $6 to $13 dollars.
What are the Top-Rated Shows and Movies on Sling TV?
As mentioned, there’s plenty of overlapping content between both packages.
Choosing your preferred package takes some research into what the channels have on offer.
The Orange Plan from Sling TV includes 32 channels in your subscription, including access to the following top-rated channels:
- AMC
- CNN
- BBC America
- Cartoon Network
- Comedy Central
- Disney
- ESPN
- Food Network
- HGTV
- IFC
- TBS
- TNT
- Travel Channel
The Sling Blue subscription gives you access to 40 channels.
The Blue plan doesn’t include Disney or ESPN, but it boosts its offering with Fox News, The Discovery Channel, NBC Sports, MSNBC, The NFL Network, and NBC Sports, SYFY, and Nick Jr.
The Sling TV Blue plan includes access to local NBC and Fox affiliates in various markets.
If you decide to combine both the Orange and Blue plans, you get a total of 46 channels on the platform.
If we compare it to other streaming platforms like Hulu (around 75 channels total), it’s not as impressive.
However, for the price, we think it’s a good deal for cord cutters.
If you decide to commit to Sling TV and pay for two months upfront, Sling TV sends you an HD antenna or Roku Express device.
Paying for three months in advance gets you an antenna and an AirTV Player Bundle.
Unfortunately, there are no CBS broadcasts or PBS channels available through Sling TV.
However, there’s an impressive range of TV shows, including top titles like:
- “Good Eats”
- “Billions”
- “Real Housewives” series
If the base channel packages aren’t good enough, you can upgrade your package with Sling Extras, starting at $6 per month.
You have the option of adding the following to your account:
- Lifestyle Extra
- Heartland Extra
- News Extra
- Hollywood Extra
- Kids Extra
- Sports Extra
- Entertainment Extra
Sling TV also offers add-ons for premium channels costing you between $5 to $10 per month, including:
- Showtime
- AMC Plus
- Discovery Plus
- Hallmark Movies Now
- MGM Plus
- Paramount Plus
- STARZ
- Shudder
Is Sling TV Worth It?
Most people will end up going with the Blue Package from Sling TV.
You get more channels in the base subscription than you do with the Orange package.
The Blue package also allows up to three simultaneous streaming connections on the same account.
The Orange package only allows for one user at a time.
If you’re a sports fan, taking the combined Blue and Orange plan is a good idea, as it adds ESPN and ESPN2.
The live TV packages on Sling are a unique add-on, and you have the option of paying an extra $5 or $10 a month for packages like Comedy Extra, Sports Extra, or Hollywood Extra.
The channels available in each add-on package depend on whether you select the Orange or Blue plan, and Sling TV gives you the best option for customizing your content offering over any online streaming service.
Is Sling TV Worth It?
Now that streaming services have adapted the cable or satellite TV model by offering multiple live channels at a much cheaper price, consumers now have greater flexibility and affordability in accessing a wide range of live content.
And Sling TV is a perfect example of a low-cost streaming service that offers live channels.
Most people will end up going with the Blue Package from Sling TV. You get more channels in the base subscription than you do with the Orange package. The Blue package also allows up to three simultaneous streaming connections on the same account. The Orange package only allows for one user at a time.
If you’re a sports fan, taking the combined Blue and Orange plan is a good idea, as it adds ESPN and ESPN2.
The live TV packages on Sling are a unique add-on, and you have the option of paying an extra $5 or $10 a month for packages like Comedy Extra, Sports Extra, or Hollywood Extra.
The channels available in each add-on package depend on whether you select the Orange or Blue plan, and Sling TV gives you the best option for customizing your content offering over any online streaming service.
Other Top Streaming Services
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service provided by Google. It offers more than 100 local and international live channels. It also has a cloud DVR service, which allows users to record the content they’re watching. YouTube TV is only available in the US, but you can still access it in Canada with a VPN.
Discovery Plus
Discovery Plus offers a massive library of documentaries, TV shows, and movies across a variety of topics including nature, animals, science, lifestyle, and more. It also includes channels like, TLC, Animal Planet, and many more. Discovery Plus is available in Canada. But if you want to watch through its American version, simply use a VPN.
Hotstar
Hotstar is a popular Indian streaming platform by The Walt Disney Company. Its content library mostly offers TV shows, documentaries, and movies from the Bollywood industry. The platform also has sports content, such as live cricket matches. Hotstar is available in Canada but its Indian version has a much larger content library. You can access it in Canada with a VPN.
Netflix
Netflix holds one of the biggest streaming libraries of original and licensed content. It is home to some of the most popular shows of recent years, such as “Stranger Things” and “Squid Game.” Netflix is available in Canada.
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video is a subscription-based streaming service owned by Amazon. It has the biggest content library, which consists of TV shows, movies, original programming, and licensed content. You can also buy or rent movies and TV shows digitally on Prime Video.
Peacock TV
Peacock TV is a streaming platform owned and operated by NBC Universal. Some of its popular original shows include “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation.” Peacock TV also offers live sports coverage. Unfortunately, Peacock TV is only available in the US. You can still access it in Canada with a VPN.
Max
Max is a video streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. Unlike most services, Max relies on its past content, particularly its library of classic HBO shows, to attract viewers. On Max, you can binge-watch complete seasons of HBO’s critically acclaimed shows like “Game of Thrones,” “The Sopranos,” and “Succession,” to name a few. Sadly, Max is not available in Canada. Still, you can access the platform by using a VPN.
Hulu
Hulu is available in the United States and Japan, and offers a wide selection of TV shows and movies, as well as its own original programming. Some of the top TV shows and movies offered by Hulu include “The Bear,” “The Great,” and “Only Murders in the Building.” However, if you want to watch Hulu in Canada, you won’t be able to access the platform directly unless you use a VPN that works with Hulu.
Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus is a streaming platform owned by Paramount Global. Its content library features series, movies, and documentaries, from studios like CBS, Paramount Pictures, and more. Paramount Plus also includes live sports coverage. Some of the best shows on Paramount Plus are “Twin Peaks,” “Young Sheldon,” and more. Paramount Plus is available in Canada but its American version contains a larger content library. If you want to access it, simply use a VPN.
FAQs
What Is the Best Alternative to Cable TV in Canada?
There are a few different options for alternative TV providers in Canada. One popular option is to use an over-the-air antenna to watch free, local channels. Another option is to sign up for a streaming service like Crave or Hulu.
How Can I Stream Live TV in Canada?
There are a few ways to stream live TV in Canada. One way is to use a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu. Another way is to use an app like Sling TV or YouTube TV.
Can I Watch Sling TV Outside THE US?
Yes, you can watch Sling TV outside of the US by using a VPN service. A VPN will mask your IP address and make it appear as if you are located in the US. This will allow you to stream Sling TV content without any restrictions. There are a number of VPN services that offer high-quality streaming speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Now you can enjoy streaming Sling TV in other countries.
What Channels Come With Sling TV?
Sling TV offers a variety of channel packages, including ESPN, AMC, tbs, and HGTV. In addition to the standard channel packages, Sling TV also offers a variety of add-on channels, including Showtime and Discovery Plus.
